Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.
Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.
Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.
Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.
HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.
HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.
HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.
GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.
Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.
Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.
Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.
Ahh, another day, another major security flaw affecting millions of computers worldwide. Microsoft is the one at fault this time, with a new vulnerability discovered that impacts every version of Windows from XP and earlier, a flaw so serious the company felt compelled to break out of its usual routine of releasing updates on the second Tuesday of every month. 
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
kevin said 2:24AM on 10-25-2008
Microsoft update is horrible! I bought my computer 3 years ago from a well known electronics outlet, fully assembled and Windows XP installed. I paid for my 100% legitimate copy of Windows XP, and never had a problem updating to service pack 2, then 3.. About a year ago a Virus corrupted my hard drive.I had to completely delete and reinstall Windows. Unfortunately, while I still had my disc, the sheet with the product info was missing. Since I couldn't find my original product key now, my paid for Windows XP can not be updated. Which means my Windows XP has all of the original glitches and vulnerabilities
Thanks a lot Microsoft for all the help when I emailed you! They don't want to help you resolve such things? OK- I'll never again by a Microsoft product!
Reply
Mike said 8:59PM on 10-25-2008
Hi There, companies generally put the xp sticker on the cpu box. That has the number.
Lets not call anyone stupid. I would say that about 45 percent of the people cant find their cd's and probably pitched them, another 25 percent cant find them.
pat said 2:24PM on 10-27-2008
First off if the store installed your OS they should have stuck the product key stick on the side on the machine. I'm told all computer stores that build computers must put it on the machine that are microsoft licensed dealer
2nd it's your problem if you losted it but too sit there and act like alittle kid "I'm not going to buy mircosoft anymore" when it's your fault in the first place.
Kris said 3:01PM on 10-27-2008
I had a very similar problem happen to me. I reinstalled the disc packs but the system did not recognize the code. So I email the support department. However, I did not get any support. They said I had to rebuy the code inorder to reinstall my package !! My computer wasn't even two years old. So I have alot of functions on my computer that I can use, but I sure am not going to pay twice !! My next computer will be Mac, my former boss swears by them. I worked on his system of two years, and I have to admitt they are easier to use. Sorry Micro Soft.....
Bobby said 9:41PM on 10-27-2008
Same with me. I've about had it with this program.
blue50 said 6:36PM on 10-28-2008
There is software out there that will read your product key on your system.
widollar said 12:01PM on 10-25-2008
Vista is a very strange bird and the browser (Internet Explorer) is constantly asking permisson to open a file or download information. This happens at least ten every day! How annoying!!!!!! Next purchase will be from Steve Jobs and his Company!
Reply
steve said 4:50PM on 10-25-2008
Well Kevin, maybe you should not have been an idiot and lost the product key. This is key that validates that your copy of Windows is a valid copy and not a bootleg. I hardly doubt that it is Microsoft's fault you are absent-minded. Next time, when something has "Do Not Discard" all over it you will not discard. Also, since you had a pre-installed copy on your coputer means you need to contact your computer manufacturer. You received a OEM version which means the computer company handles that stuff. widollar, you can change the settings so it asks less. But, it is for your protection. Go ahead and buy a Mac, and come back and talk to me when the novelty wears off. Unless you like not having a fully functioning computer in which you can do more than just web browsing, a few games, maybe some photos and video and a few (and I mean few) games. But you will be so broke from paying 4x's as much for mediocre hardware you will be stuck.
Reply
kevin Mccracken said 6:06PM on 10-25-2008
Steve -I don't recall the "Do not discard' packet being in my bundle. I doubt I actually had it. That's besides the point. I've seen where this exact thing has happened to quite a few others, and since Win XP is now an older version of Windows since the release of Vista, they should be better about working with their past customers.
Who needs a Mac? I use Linux and it does everything you can do with Windows, is just as easy to use, and isn't prone to the malware that Windows seems to attract. I'd have bought Vista for my new computer, but after the callous attitude of Microsoft, much like your cockiness, I looked elsewhere, and am glad I did.
Once there was a thing called"customer service", and it was handled by working people in the USA, not in India, or by convicts. It was a wonderful thing that we took for granted, but the idea was to make the customer happy. What ever happened to that?
Benjamin said 8:15PM on 10-27-2008
Yeah, all that Microsoft requires is that you keep the box and all the bulky packaging for the lifetime of the product. Or you can buy an Apple and save the storage space in your closet and laugh at all the Microsoft screw ups.
Ron said 5:56PM on 10-25-2008
Well Steve, you're an idiot! I have been using a Mac for more than 10 years now and I've never gotten a virus and I do more on my Mac than any 10 PC users in my office (most are now Mac users as well). And I have run Windows XP and Vista on it and it works great. It's true that Macs are a little more pricey than PC's but my Mac winds up being cheaper because I don't have to buy anti-virus programs or their updates. Go ahead Steve, keep thinking like the throwback you are from the 90's while all your friends around you are buying Macs, iPhones and iPods and just ignore the fact that Microsoft is spending 300 million dollars to persuade you that Vista is a good operating system. If you need a comedian to tell the world your product doesn't suck, it was probably a joke to begin with! Oh, by-the-way, Macs don't need a product key to reinstall the OS so go ahead and throw away the packaging material then go online to update automatically for free.
Reply
Jacki said 2:31PM on 10-27-2008
Actually Ron, you can only update to a point, you can't go up a full level without paying for it. Also, if you have an older version, (prior to 10.4) you can not even get the update through Apple. You have to buy it from someone else on E-bay or Craig's list.
Moses said 2:38PM on 10-27-2008
Ron just because you've never gotten a virus, doesn't mean its NOT possible. Hackers don't concentrate as much on MAC's, because 75% of the world uses PC's. So who do u think they'd target?
Another thing..Mac's may run well, but it is pricey and it doesn't have nearly as much software as a PC. If you tell me it does, then you're an idiot. I've used 3 different pc's over 10 years and I'VE NEVER gotten a virus, worm, etc. Most of the reason is not the computer, operating system or software..its the damn user.
pat said 2:25PM on 10-27-2008
First off if the store installed your OS they should have stuck the
product key stick on the side on the machine. I'm told all computer
stores that build computers must put it on the machine that are
microsoft licensed dealer
2nd it's your problem if you losted it but too sit there and act like
alittle kid "I'm not going to buy mircosoft anymore" when it's your
fault in the first place.
Reply
PARKER said 3:06PM on 10-27-2008
Hey Stevie-boy -- "Yeah, what Ron said!"
I, too, have been using Macs for many years... without the numerous, annoying, glitches and problems associated with Win-OS. Never had a virus on my Mac.
Mac-OS is rock solid, requiring far less ram to accomplish much more, when compared to Win., and, is much more intuitive and user-friendly. There are perfectly good reasons why the vast majority of professional, and serious, musicians, photogs., and graphic artists, etc., prefer to use their Macs to "create" or "get the job done, right"... because they are far and above more reliable and stable. Besides, there aren't many "useful and interesting" programs, software, or utilities out there (developed for Win. ), that won't operate on a Mac... just fine.
Vista is an horrendous joke. I can't believe they haven't "pulled the plug" on that particular piece of crap. Everyone I know, hates it... and dumps it... preferring to go back to XP, or, XP-Pro.
Certainly, not one of Microsoft's finest efforts or acheivements.
Reply
SloMoe said 5:26PM on 10-28-2008
They funny thing is, my brother has a MacBook Pro, and that things has more glitches than my Dell Latitude running WinXP Pro. The thing has major issues coming in and out of standby mode (has to be manually shut off all the time, and even once had to pull the battery) drops off my wireless AP numerous while im sitting right next to him humming along on my PC. And trying to get a Mac to interface correctly with and Active Directory Domain is a nightmare, I had an Apple consultant look into it and the only way he could get it to work after spending several hours with it, was by installing 3rd party software (AdmitMac or something like that) ridiculous if you ask me. Ill keep my Dell and WinXP, if you actually know how to use them correctly Microsoft products work very well, Ive been using them hassle free for over 15 years, virus free. And theres no more bulky packaging than any Mac OS, just a CD and product key, not that hard to keep track of... But if want your computer to look "pretty" then the Mac is your computer, ill keep my 400 bucks that I didnt have spend to look pretty and brag to everyone who doesnt have one.
Oh and DL sorry to break it to you but not all flavors of Unix are created equal, why do you think there are so many different versions? If they were all the same we would only have Unics/Unix (commercial) and Linux (GNU/Free) and the average Mac user isnt going to want to try and get software that runs on Solaris or AIX to run on OSX.
DL said 3:15PM on 10-27-2008
Moses - don't be a jackass. Since ALL OS X versions are Unix based... You are horribly and absolutely wrong... *nix wares are *nix wares... whether its BSD, Linux, Mac OSX.??, Unix, Minix, blah blah blah blah... hate to break it to you... we do have more software... and if we have it... Mac Users have it too ;o)
But you are sort of right... Virus and Hacks aren't really a concern to non-windows users because of the availability of potential targets... like wolves and sheep ;o) But beyond that... argue it all you want, *nix OSs are inherently, intentionally, and consciously developed to be safe, secure, reliable, and responsive... ahem.... Windows is not. So, folks we might assume smart enough to penetrate or exploit *nix flaws are also much more likely to be doing more meaningful and important things than swiping your CC numbers on amazon... LOL or dumping a root kit on you because you have a GAPING HUGE WIDE OPEN WORMHOLE OF security flaw popping up every couple of months ;o)
My last security update was... in 2003 if I recall... me? Mandriva Linux 2009 RC2, Cooker Release on a Toshiba A series Satellite, 1.8g/2g,intel/realtek.... LOL even our beta stuff makes Windows look schizo ;o)
Come on... the post is to inform Windows users that there is a serious security issue that they should address right away to avoid potential exploitation - the fact that MS is breaking the update release schedule only enforces the severity of the discussion. I understand that is a lot of MS-thumpin' believers out there... but don't use your poor choice in OS as grounds to attack others ;o)
Reply
SloMoe said 5:37PM on 10-28-2008
Poor choice in OS? It's not my fault that the Enterprise market is dominated by Windows Server... it's not my fault that Microsoft Exchange is the mail server of choice for most companies, and it's not my fault that SQL is best run on a Microsoft OS. I really don't think it's that poor of a choice... keep up on your updates (WSUS make that easy) and employ a good anti-virus solution, and its seems like the most logical choice to me...
David said 3:27PM on 10-27-2008
SOME OF THESE STORIES SOUND LIKE DOING BUSINESS WITH THE PARROTS OF THE "GOOF SQUAD" AT WORST BUY. I'VE TRYED TO FIGURE OUT JUST WHAT KIND OF PARROTS THEY ARE? I KNOW THEY ARE NOT AFRICAN GRAY'S BECAUSE EVEN THEY ARE CAPIBLE OF LEARNING WAY MORE THAN ONE PHRASE,
"19.95 - 19.95 -19.95 - 19.95 - 19.95 - 19.95 - 19.95 - 19.95 - 19.95"
AWWWWWWWK! POLLY WANT'S ANOTHER 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I MEANT IT WHEN I CALMLY ZIPPED UP MY LAP TOP CASE ONE DAY AND SAID THANK YOU VERY MUCH, I HAVE MADE MY LAST PURCHASE WITH WORST BUY AND WALKED OUT OF THEIR STORE TO NEVER WALK INTO ANOTHER ONE AGAIN. I HAVE MADE TWO MAJOR PURCHASES SINCE THEN OF TWO FLAT SCREEN TV'S, BUT AS I STATED, NOT FROM WORST BUY. $20.00 JUST FOR PLUGING A CABLE INTO A COMPUTER AND A FEW KEY STROKES WHEN YOU BOUGHT THE DAMNED THING FROM THEM AND IT WAS THEIR MISTAKE IN THE FIRST PLACE? REMEMBER WORST BUY THE OLD ADDAGE OF "WORD OF MOUTH BEING THE 'BEST' ADVERTISEMENT", THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Reply
bujinkan said 3:30PM on 10-27-2008
Computor nerds, Get A Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Reply